"Whitebeard's just a failure from the previous era"
"So you're gone, Whitebeard"
"This age is called Whitebeard!"
Roger was the Pirate King. He always has been, always will be.
Throughout my entire life, I've never met anyone worthy of that title other than Roger. Sure, there were ambitious rookies and there will always be more, but I doubt that anyone would ever reach that level of greatness that my old captain did. Monkey D. Luffy seems promising than most, but I will not get my hopes up.
But you, Whitebeard, you are different. You were Roger's equal in terms of status and strength. You were by right, the one who should've been the Pirate King after Roger's death. Yet, you never did.
I was curious about it. You could've easily become King after Roger's death, but you were content to remain as one of the Four Emperors. A worthy and feared title, but one that pales in comparison to the title of Pirate King. You were content to sail the ocean with those who call you "father" and whom you call "sons". You lead them to greatness, but you could've gone so much further. Yet, you were content to just be with your family. I understand being happy with your nakama, but I could not understand your almost nonexistent interest in glory. You held the power to destroy the world, yet you did not try taking the world hostage and bending it to your will.
You could've surpassed Roger, if you really tried. You could've been the next Pirate King.
But you were content to remain, quite simply, a father.
I could not quite understand why.
Now as I see you stand proud and tall even in death, I understand at last.
Like Roger, you inspired loyalty, respect and love in your companions.
Like Roger, you inspired both fear and respect in your enemies.
Like Roger, you are hated by those who do not understand you.
Like Roger, you inspired the world in your final moments.
I understand now, Whitebeard, why you did not pursue the title of Pirate King.
Because without trying, without even wanting it and without even realising it yourself, you were already the Pirate King.
His glorious back bared tall, the legend falls
"I am only one man, with one heart"
"Call me demon, call me a monster, but I can't be the strongest forever"
"Don't look back, the times are a-changing"
"Was I a good father?"
"Ever since I was a kid, there was something I've always wanted to have...a family"